This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite
In writing Avalokana: The Way of the Flow, artist and poet Avalok introduces readers to the ancient art of conscious observation. The title is derived from the Sanskrit word for deep and mindful viewing. The author describes the 10 phases of life, from birth, through growing and becoming, to death. It follows our path of evolution as we learn, raise a family, establish a career, mature, and build wisdom. Later, we are free to serve others and embrace forgiveness, before making peace and releasing the earthly journey. In addition, three paths to God are presented. Each has its own challenges and calls for different skills and approaches by the traveler. There are different levels of danger and adventure. The author offers two further paths, based on his own conceptions. The differences between intelligence and wisdom are aired, as are contrasts between arguments and debates, as well as loss and mourning. A beautiful allegory sees the caterpillar become a butterfly in a magical transformation that has a wider lesson for humankind, and alludes to achieving the freedom to fly. Freedom is a state of mind and a matter of trust, through which we can conquer fear, anger, and impatience.
Written for those seeking meaning, Avalokana by Avalok offers lessons through simple but effective stories that are parables in themselves and will enchant the reader. This book illuminates the journey to find meaning, with its many pathways, distractions, and roadblocks. The message is to persevere. A standout feature involves the perceptive observations on teachers, gurus, and intellectuals, pointing out those to avoid. The meaning of life chapter is also relevant and insightful. This work provides solid proof that wisdom can be found in simplicity, without overelaboration or lofty philosophy. In the final analysis, we are each free to choose our path without copying others or following rules imposed on us. This outstanding book sets out the options and possible outcomes with clarity, while drawing the reader toward a deeper understanding of life. Although concise, there is plenty of material to reflect on, becoming richer in spirit during the process.
